Top 13 People of 2013

Another year has come and gone and this is the time to reflect on this past year’s events. There were many moments when we tested the boundaries of equality. Racism and feminism were coursing through the veins of the public as we watched that unforgettable Robin Thicke/Miley VMAs performance or as we watched the Zimmerman case unfold on national news. The Human Rights Campaign made major headway this year when 8 states (New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland to name a few) legalized same-sex marriage. Equality made an impression in the sports world when Jason Collins came out in April this year. No matter what you lobby for, it appears as if there was a top figure this year to advocate or contradict your cause. Trim honors the revolutionaries, the instigators, the deceased, and the just-plain-nuts of 2013 (in no particular order):

1. Jennifer Lawrence

We honor Jennifer Lawrence’s excellent professionalism on screen and her down to earth personality off screen. She was the woman who continued to surprise us from tripping up the stairs at the Oscars to getting an edgy new haircut. Silver Linings Playbook made her the girl guys lusted after and The Hunger Games made her the girl other girls wanted to become. Check her out in the her newest movie, American Hustle.

2. George Zimmerman / Trayvon Martin

The State of Florida v. George Zimmerman court case was one of the most publicized court cases this past year. George Zimmerman was found not guilty of the murder of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. The outcome of the trial sparked controversy as some argued that it was racist. Whatever the case may be, the Zimmerman case reminded us that racism continues to be a topic of concern in our country.

3. Jason Collins

Jason Collins shook the world of basketball and sports in May when he openly admitted that he is gay. His news makes him the first openly gay athlete in a major American team sport. Collins currently remains unsigned to an NBA team.

4. Malala Yousafzai

This 16 year old girl turned heads around the world as an advocate for educational rights and women’s rights, particularly in her home region of Pakistan. Her voice garnered international recognition that showed that you are never too young to speak out. Malala’s memoir, I am Malala, released this past October. This makes you wonder, “Is my life significant enough to have a memoir written about me? What am I doing with my life?.” Oh, that’s right…I’m sitting on my Macbook surfing Buzzfeed posts.

5. Robin Thicke

Robin Thicke’s explicit music “Blurred Lines” music video created controversy with its topless girls and dubious lyrics. He later gained more attention after his performance at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards in August with our love-to-hate Disney pop princess gone wrong.

6. Miley Cyrus

If there is anyone who was hungry for the spotlight this past year, it would be Miley Cyrus. Whether you love her or think she’s gone bat-poop crazy, we can all agree that this was the year of the Miley. She planned every stunt she did to gain popularity and buzz. And guess what? She got people to talk about her, good or bad. Good job, Miley. Now go put your tongue in your mouth and put some clothes on.

7. Amanda Bynes

Amanda, please! Amanda Bynes reached the breaking point that most celebrities in the past have reached with the admittance into rehab as proof. She shocked social media with pictures of a new piercings and a blonde wig in March. She is recovering and sources say that she has checked out of rehab in the beginning of this December. It has been a rough year for our celebrities.

8. Cory Monteith

Rest in Peace July 13, 2013

9. Paul Walker

Rest in Peace November 30, 2013

10. Nelson Mandela

Rest in Peace December 5, 2013

11. Pope Francis

Pope Francis became the 266th pope of the Catholic church in earlier this year in March. He has become a revolutionary religious leader from his down-to-earth personality to his stance on homosexuality. He has been named one of the “coolest” most modern popes yet.

12. Beyonce

All hail Queen B! The world rejoiced when Beyonce quietly released her self-titled album this month. Her album features 17 music videos and is currently available on iTunes and in stores. Even without prior announcement/hype up, Beyonce’s album was able to instantly blow up in popularity in a matter of hours.

13. Babies! – North West and Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge

One of the most popular human beings on social media this past year were under the age of 1. Kanye West and Kim Kardashian’s baby, North, and Prince William and Kate’s baby, Prince George, were the most watched infants this year. Celebrity babies are normally bombarded by the paparazzi, but 2013 marked a new level of stalkerazzi that recorded every aspect of these famous infants.